Need steering help. Can't find the problem!
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern NH
Need steering help. Can't find the problem!
I'm having major issues with my steering. Hopefully someone has an idea of what it might be.
So when I'm driving at any speed, the steering will pull/grab suddenly, mostly to the left, and then it takes a bit to get the wheels straightened out. It's pretty scary when I'm going fast.
The mechanic is running out of ideas. So far I have a new steering pump, tried 3 different steering boxes, high pressure hose, radius arm bushings, new shocks, and a new steering stabalizer. The tie rods checked out good. The next thing he would try is replacing the axle joints.
Please help. Any ideas on what could be happening?
So when I'm driving at any speed, the steering will pull/grab suddenly, mostly to the left, and then it takes a bit to get the wheels straightened out. It's pretty scary when I'm going fast.
The mechanic is running out of ideas. So far I have a new steering pump, tried 3 different steering boxes, high pressure hose, radius arm bushings, new shocks, and a new steering stabalizer. The tie rods checked out good. The next thing he would try is replacing the axle joints.
Please help. Any ideas on what could be happening?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,274
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How about wheel bearings? The problem could be in the back also. The leaf spring shackles could be loose or the u-bolts. When he says axle joints, does he mean u-joints. If so, they cant be the problem if its not in 4x4. (not likly if it is in 4x4) If he is suggesting they can be, I would get a new machanic.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Longview, TX
You mentioned three steering boxes. That does not mean you have a good one. Straighten the front wheels. Ask someone to watch for pittman arm movement on the bottom of the steering box. Start the engine and see how far the steering wheel turns each way without the pitman arm moving. If the slack is in the box and you are tired of playing steering box roulette trying to get a good one, see Red-head steering gear. Better than new.
I think I would ask around and find the best alignment shop in your area. There are many factors in steering control.
I think I would ask around and find the best alignment shop in your area. There are many factors in steering control.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 295
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From: Ohio
make sure the lash on the steering box isn't too tight, that will cause tight spots. some junkyards that dismantle cars do that so you think you have a good box when its slopped out from someone running too big of a tire etc...
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern NH
Hey everyone. I was up and about yesterday, so I couldn't get back to you all.
I'm going to call my mechanic this morning to 'discuss' my steering.
I'll ask him what exactly he checked.
I do know that the steering boxes where all remans.
The tires look good and not even a year old. But I'll check these.
There is no noises that I can hear when I'm driving.
A couple of times, I did have this jerking of the steering happen when I hit a bump in the round. But the other times it has been on smooth road.
Also noted that when I turn, I have to fiddle the steering left to right to get it to straighten out.
The best way to describe what is happening, is picture just driving normal speed. The steering wheel feels a little sloppy, but not too much that it is scary. Then all of the sudden, it feels like someone grabbed the steering wheel and it yanks you from going straight. Then because the steering was sloppy to begin with, it takes a bit to get the truck to go straight again.
I'll let you guys know what is happening.
I appreciate all of your input. I have made notes and will ask about these things.
I'm going to call my mechanic this morning to 'discuss' my steering.
I'll ask him what exactly he checked.
I do know that the steering boxes where all remans.
The tires look good and not even a year old. But I'll check these.
There is no noises that I can hear when I'm driving.
A couple of times, I did have this jerking of the steering happen when I hit a bump in the round. But the other times it has been on smooth road.
Also noted that when I turn, I have to fiddle the steering left to right to get it to straighten out.
The best way to describe what is happening, is picture just driving normal speed. The steering wheel feels a little sloppy, but not too much that it is scary. Then all of the sudden, it feels like someone grabbed the steering wheel and it yanks you from going straight. Then because the steering was sloppy to begin with, it takes a bit to get the truck to go straight again.
I'll let you guys know what is happening.
I appreciate all of your input. I have made notes and will ask about these things.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
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Hey b4hntn,
Why would you need to start the truck to check it? I think it may be better to check it with the engine stopped. I assume your still happy with the redhead. Every time this comes up, I'm getting closer to ordering one.
In any case, Hottie, I agree with him, you may have not got a good one yet. I went through three and I'm not tottally happy. And one was a high dollar AGR box. Dont get one of them!
Why would you need to start the truck to check it? I think it may be better to check it with the engine stopped. I assume your still happy with the redhead. Every time this comes up, I'm getting closer to ordering one.
In any case, Hottie, I agree with him, you may have not got a good one yet. I went through three and I'm not tottally happy. And one was a high dollar AGR box. Dont get one of them!
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern NH
You want to hear the really funny part. The first time this happened it was over three weeks ago, on a Thursday. I couldn't get the box from Redhead fast enough, so I thought, and I didn't want to pay the extra couple hundred to expedite it to me. And it was all because I didn't want a long down time without my truck. Well here it is close to a month with the same problem, and I think I've driven my truck about 3 days total. Sheesh. Live and learn.
I'm waiting for some input from a friend of mines brother who is a mechanic. He seems to think it could be some sensor.
I'm waiting for some input from a friend of mines brother who is a mechanic. He seems to think it could be some sensor.
I only know about it cause someone I know would be driving along and his rear brakes would just lock up out of nowhere..
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Longview, TX
helirich, you are right about not running the engine to find the slack in the steering box. I found my slack just by reaching under the hood and turning the shaft back and fourth with my fingers. I was making an assumption NH-Hottie may need someone to help. My apologies NH-Hottie for prejudging. Yes, the red-head just keeps getting better. It was little stiff until it broke in, but I did not touch the adjustment. It and my red head wife just keep getting better.